Potter trio in final two installments of film

MUMBAI: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will reprise the roles they have made their own: teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final two motion picture adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series.

The announcement was made by Warner Bros. Pictures president of production Jeff Robinov. Robinov said, “When Daniel, Rupert and Emma were first cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione, we knew they were not only talented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years, and in each of the Harry Potter films, we have watched them grow into extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors. It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified, so we are thrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete the arc of their characters in the final two films.”

Both Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are being produced by David Heyman, who has produced all of the Harry Potter films to date and was instrumental in bringing the franchise to the screen, beginning with the first blockbuster, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

David Barron, who served as an executive producer on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and is a producer on the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, will also be producing the final two installments of the franchise.

Radcliffe remarked, “Playing the role of Harry Potter has been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years. During filming, I learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity.”

Watson added, “I could never let Hermione go – she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films.”

Grint offered, “Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life and not just because we’ve both got ginger hair! I’ve been so proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I’m really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with my ‘Weasley family’ and, of course, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years; we couldn’t have done it without you.” Warner Bros. Pictures’ fifth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is slated for release in the US on 13 July, 2007.